Firmware Version 4.00 For The Nikon Z9

The third major firmware update for the Nikon Z9 is here! Firmware version 4.00 offers incredible enhancements to video and photo capture, usability, operability, autofocus and more. With new features such as Smart Auto Capture Function and Shutter Sound Customization, there is a reason the Nikon Z9 is a flagship full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera!

Firmware version 4.00 for the Nikon Z9 offers an assortment of new features for both photography and videography, with the most exciting new feature being the all-new Auto Capture function. This new feature enables automatic shooting when the subject meets one or more pre-configured criteria particularly in situations that require increased automation or when the camera must be positioned in places where the user cannot remain for extended periods of time.

Nikon has also improved video functions by expanding the minimum ISO sensitivity available with N-Log recording, increasing the number of options available for Hi-Res Zoom speed and adding slow-motion video recording. With still-image shooting, Nikon has improved the subject acquisition performance of 3D-tracking when capturing stills of small and fast-moving subjects. Firmware version 4.00 also supports enhanced operability by increasing the number of functions that can be assigned to custom controls, as well as the addition of a new shutter sound and volume options.

To upgrade your Nikon Z9 to firmware version 4.00, click here!

New and Enhanced Features:

• Auto Capture:
  • Users can set the camera to automatically record still images or video by pre-configuring Auto Capture criteria. The three criteria that can be configured include a option that detects subjects that make certain movements, a option which begins shooting when a subject is within a certain range of distances, and a option which detects a person, animal or vehicle within the frame. These options can be used either separately or together to automatically trigger shooting when the selected criteria are met.
  • This feature allows the user to shoot remotely without having to manually determine the timing of shooting/recording, enabling more freedom to perform other tasks or to leave their camera outside in places they cannot remain for extended periods of time, such as when recording wild animals.
  • When using more than one Z9, one camera can be used for hand-held shooting as the user moves from place to place, while the other cameras can be set up for automatic shooting from tripods at fixed locations. Auto Capture also enables shooting from multiple angles without using the extension cords previously required to control multiple cameras, eliminating worries about connections during remote shooting. This feature can also be used with the Pre-Release Capture function for a more reliable capture of decisive moments.

• Advanced Video Recording Functions:
  • ISO sensitivity can now be set as low as Lo 2.0 (ISO 200) with N-Log recording: ISO sensitivity has been expanded on the low end to increase dynamic range in shadows and enable rich and clear expression of shadow tones in which noise is suppressed.
  • Hi-Res Zoom speed options: Speed steps have been increased from 3 to 11 for more precise speed control. Finer adjustment of the zoom speed is now possible, enabling a look that better matches the user’s intent with more stable zooming at slower speeds, for example.
  • Slow-motion video function: This new feature enables high-speed recording of videos that play back at 1/4 (4×) or 1/5 (5×) the frame rate for a slow-motion effect.

• Additional Shooting Enhancements:
  • Customizable shutter sound: Users can choose from five types of shutter sound played when the shutter is released, and set a higher volume for the sound.
  • Focus enhancements: Superior subject acquisition performance with 3D-tracking is used to capture stills of small and fast-moving subjects that cannot be detected with subject detection.
  • Pre-Release buffer expansion: To better respond to the needs of those working on location, the length of time the camera continues to buffer frames before cancelling shooting during the Pre-Release Capture phase of High-Speed Frame Capture has been increased from 30 to 300 seconds, allowing users to wait longer between the half press and full press of the shutter-release button.
  • Exposure delay mode: This item is added to the Custom Settings menu, which helps to reduce blur caused by the camera shake that occurs when the shutter-release button is pressed.
  • More custom controls: The number of functions that can be assigned to custom controls has been increased, as well as the number of controls that can be customized.
  • Improved manual focus UI: The focus distance indicator for manual focus newly displays the approximate distance between the camera and the focus position in units selected by the user.
  • Playback enhancements: The new option that allows users to choose how the camera centers the display when scrolling through pictures during playback zoom can now be assigned to a custom control. When is selected, the camera centres the display on the focus point active with shooting. Additionally, the accuracy of the progress bar displayed with video playback has been increased.

For more information and to upgrade your Nikon Z9 to firmware version 4.00, click here!

Featured in this blog:

Nikon Z 9 Body